"We would like to thank everyone who has expressed love and support for Laney and our family. We are grateful beyond words for the messages of compassion you have shared through social media and other channels. To see the community rally around Laney in the name of cancer awareness means the world to us.

"That said, we are asking the media and the general public to respect our privacy at this time and in the weeks to come. Our focus is on spending time with Laney and celebrating each moment we have with her.